Personality disorder
Personality disorder
A personality disorder means a person tends to think, feel, behave or connect with others in ways that are noticeably different from what is typical.
Types of personality disorder
There are several types of personality disorder, and each one can bring its own set of symptoms.
Types of personality disorder include:
- paranoid personality disorder
- schizoid personality disorder
- schizotypal personality disorder
- antisocial personality disorder
- borderline personality disorder
- histrionic personality disorder
- narcissistic personality disorder
- avoidant personality disorder
- dependent personality disorder
- obsessive compulsive personality disorder
Common Symptoms
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
Causes
What causes a personality disorder?
Personality disorders are actually quite common. Most begin during the teenage years and continue on into adult life.
A number of things can play a role. Genetics and the way a person was brought up both matter, and going through severe distress or fear in childhood such as neglect or abuse can also be a contributing factor.
Diagnosis
Personality disorders are diagnosed by specialist mental health services, and you'll usually need a GP referral to be seen.
Treatment
Treatment for a personality disorder
Treatment for a personality disorder usually involves therapy.
Talking therapy
A range of different psychotherapies are used to treat personality disorders. For example, talking therapy.
Psychological therapy involves discussing your thoughts, emotions and behaviours with a trained professional. This aims to help you control your thoughts and emotions.
Some therapies, especially group therapies, help people understand social relationships better.
The psychotherapist will listen and discuss important issues with you. They can also suggest strategies to resolve problems. If necessary, they’ll help you change your attitudes and behaviour.
Medication
Medicine may be prescribed to treat problems associated with a personality disorder, including:
- depression
- anxiety
- psychotic symptoms
Supporting someone with a personality disorder
Mind has information and guidance for friends and family of someone diagnosed with a personality disorder. This includes information on how to look after yourself while supporting someone else.
Pregnancy, becoming a parent and personality disorders
If you have a personality disorder, you may need extra support during your pregnancy and after your child is born.
You can speak to a GP, midwife or health visitor if you would like support.
Find out more about mental health in pregnancy.
Self help for a personality disorder
There are several self-help guides that may be useful for coping with a personality disorder. You could try our guides on:
- anxiety
- problem solving
- problems with anger
- self-esteem
Silvercloud – Steps for stress
Space from Stress is designed to help you learn new skills to cope with stress, boost your self-esteem, and improve your resilience. It uses interactive exercises, diaries, calendars, and SMART goals to help you plan ahead and deal with stressful situations and events.
There are 8 online modules that you can work through at your own pace. To get the most out of Space from Stress, it’s recommended you spend around an hour per week on your programme.
To access this course, you need to provide your email address, create a password, and type in the following access code:
NHS24
Don’t include personal information e.g. name, location or any personal health conditions.